How are culture and society related to human interaction? In this presentation we will cover how human are influence by religion according to sociology point of view. We will see the different sociologist definitions about religion and their effect on human.

1. Sociology
Social Institutions
Mubasher Younas
FA13-BSE-112

2. Outline
• The Family
• Education
• Religion
• The Economy
• Politics
• The Media
Unit EQ: How are culture and society related to human
interaction?

3. Religion – A Sociological Definition
Sacred
Anything that is part of
the supernatural world
and that inspires awe,
respect, and reverence
Profane
Anything that is part of
the ordinary world and
thus commonplace and
familiar.
Religion: A system of roles and norms that is
organized around the sacred realm and that binds
people together in social groups

4. According to Sociologist:
Marx :
Believed that religion divided the classes…
strong vs. weak.
Emile Durkheim:
Unifiedsystemof beliefs and practicesrelative
towardsacredthings.

5. Stats from around the world
•Christianity – 2.1 billion
•Buddhist – 376 million
•Hinduism – 900 million
•Islamist – 1.3 billion
•Judaist – 14 million
•Secular – 1.1 billion
•Scientologists – 500,000

7. Functions of Religion
• Social Cohesion:
Encourages the
strengthening of bonds
among people.
• Social Control:
Encourages conformity
to the norms and
values of society
• Emotional Support:
Provides comfort in
times of personal
suffering and natural
disaster

8. Functions of Religion
•Integration and solidarity – Durkheim
• Religious bonds tie people together
• Religion teaches a moral code that is
generally reflective of the society
• Explain the meaning of existence
• Provide social stability…provide
individuals with
• A moral & ethical code of behavior.
• Gives man comfort, strength and hope in
times of crisis and despair.

9. Another idea that took place was the
growth of ideas of right & wrong.
Good behavior must be rewarded by the
gods; bad behavior would be punished.
A code of ethics.

10. Conflict POV
•Marx believed that religious beliefs
are based on illusions
•The idea of salvation eases people
view of their situation
•Religion gives people something to
hold on to, intangible that can not be
bought

11. Conflict POV
•Attempts to control people and limit
their decision making
•Impedes social change
•Hope of salvation discourages
discontent

12. Interactionist POV
• How we practice our beliefs
• Interaction between the Masjid and its
members
• Interaction between religions and their
members
• Patterns and Changes of religious
behavior
• Traditions and ceremonies within our
culture
• Eid and Moharram etc

13. Types of Belief Systems
Animism
Theism
Ethicalism

14. Animism
•Belief that spirits actively
influence human life
•Spirits are contained
though out mother nature
•Spirits are not worshiped
as gods, but are instead
seen as supernatural forces
that may issue assistance
•Example: Shamanism and
Totemism

15. Theism
• A belief in a god or gods
• Monotheism
• A belief in one god, who is usually the
creator and moral authority
• Examples: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
• Polytheism
• A belief in a number of gods.
• Usually centers on one powerful god with
lesser gods
• Examples: Hinduism or Greek/Roman Gods

16. Ethicalism
•Based on the idea that
moral principles have a
sacred quality
•A set of principles such as
truth, honor, and tolerance
serve as a guide to living
•Examples: Buddhism,
Confucianism, and Shinto

18. QUESTIONS REMAINING